STAGES Youth Theatre
Acting classes and productions for young people ages 5 and up, at The Capitol Theatre.
Classes
STAGES is the youth theatre program of Portal Players Dramatic Society. All classes take place at The Capitol Theatre, with three levels from first-timers to a full spring production.
Introductory
A great way to learn the basics and get comfortable performing on stage.
Two class times, so you can choose the day that works best: Tuesdays 4–4:55 pm or Thursdays 4–4:55 pm.
- $645 full year September–June
- $258 + $387 by semester Sept–Dec, then Jan–June
- $64.50 per month
Intermediate
A step up from Introductory. Students take on more responsibility, with some behind-the-scenes work as well as performing on stage. Students audition with a one-minute monologue to join this class.
Thursdays 5–6 pm
- $670 full year September–June
- $268 + $402 by semester Sept–Dec, then Jan–June
- $67 per month
Company
A step up from Intermediate. Company performs a production with a full run in the spring, takes on a production role as well as an acting role in that show, and works backstage for all other STAGES shows.
Tuesdays 5–7 pm and Wednesdays 4–6 pm
- $770 full year September–June
- $308 + $462 by semester Sept–Dec, then Jan–June
- $77 per month
STAGES shows, 2026–27
All shows are at The Capitol Theatre.
- Dec5
December Showcase
Saturday, December 5, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Adults $15 · Students $10 · Children under 12 $5 · Family of 4 $30 · Family of 6 $45
- May14
Jane Eyre
The Company production · May 14, 15, 21 & 22, 2027 at 7:30 PM · May 16 & 23 at 2 PM
Adults $25 · Students $20 · STAGES students free
- Jun12
Year-End Show
Saturday, June 12, 2027 at 7:30 PM · Sunday, June 13 at 2 PM
Adults $20 · Students $10 · Children under 12 $5 · Family of 4 $30 · Family of 6 $45
Meet the director
Gabby Eyford is the Director of the STAGES program. She took over as Director in 2024, but has been part of the program for many years. Gabby grew up as a STAGES student, from elementary school all the way through high school. She then studied at VanArts in Vancouver, graduating from the Acting for Film and Television program in 2020. Shortly after, she returned to Port Alberni and began assisting with STAGES.
Gabby has been overjoyed to see the program flourish over the past few years. She loves creating a welcoming and safe space for students to express themselves.
Past STAGES Productions
Our STAGES Youth Theatre program.
- 2009 · DecemberThe Works
- 2010 · MayThe Death & Life of Sneaky Fitch
- 2010 · DecemberThe Works: Changing Channels
- 2011 · JuneThe Cremation of Sam McGee: An Interesting Interpretation
- 2012 · JuneBeauty IS a Beast
- 2012 · DecemberThe Works: The History of…
- 2013 · JuneRumpelstiltskin
- 2013 · DecemberThe Works: In the News
- 2014 · AprilLittle Women
- 2014 · JuneThe Big Bad
- 2014 · DecemberThe Works: STAGES Has Talent!
- 2015 · AprilBut Why Bump Off Barnaby?
- 2015 · JuneBlellow! The King’s New Duds
- 2015 · DecemberThe Works: Bunsch of Stories
- 2016 · AprilThe Diary of Anne Frank
- 2016 · JuneRapunzel
- 2017 · MayAnne of Green Gables
- 2018 · AprilThe Jungle Book
- 2018 · JuneA Buncha Stuff
- 2019 · AprilGen Z
- 2019 · JuneCandy & Fantasy & Mystery, Oh My!
- 2023 · May/JuneSense and Sensibility
- 2023 · JuneDinner at Eight, Dead by Nine and Five Unlikely Superheroes
- 2025 · May/June13 Past Midnight
- 2025 · JuneA Medieval Memoir & The Sources of Evil
- 2026 · MayDracula